JOIN USWith the scandal coming as an embarrassment for the CPI(M)-led LDF Government at a politically trying time,the state cabinet today favoured harsher steps and a thorough police probe into the case to bring to light the entire aspects of the scam at the earliest.
Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said there had been "criminal negligence" on the part of the collector who failed to detect and prevent the fraud which took place in the office under his control.
He did not even bother to ask for a police verification before regularising those who secured jobs by producing fake appointment orders and advice memos of the state PSC, the Chief Minister said.
The Government had yesterday decided to shift Bhaskaran from the post and an Additional District Magistrate (ADM) and a 'huzoor shirasthadar' in the district were placed under suspension two days back in connection with the racket.
Achuthanandan said there was no need for a judicial probe in the case since a high level police team under Additional DGP Vinsom M Paul had been constituted for the purpose.
A breakthrough was achieved in the case yesterday with the key suspect behind the racket, Abhilash Pillai, surrendering before a court in Kochi.